Yes, It Is I…

Yes, I do still exist. Yes, I am considering making a comeback here. Yes, I do realise I have a history of returning to this blog only to vanish again in due time.

But, to be fair… I had shit to do.

I went to Europe, I went to Bluesfest, I went to America and Canada. I mean, just last month, I even had the pleasure of visiting Amber from Words Become Superfluous. Amb has become lazy busy, just like me, but her blog was extremely popular and wonderful and we actually met through the blogosphere! And then we got to meet! In Canada! And I’m from Melbourne!

Good work, internet.

Anyway, my point is mostly, that I have made some great friends here, and it would be a shame to vanish for good. So, here I am, if even sporadically.

I’ll be back in a few minutes with the song of the day. I have to think of a good one. I missed you guys! Looking forward to catching up on your blogs.

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I Return With Answers!

I am back!

I know, I use that phrase a lot. Or at least I have done in the last few months. I can’t tell if my random hiatuses are going to get better or worse at this point. I was happy blaming college, but then that ended for the year and I thought I’d have time to do this blogging thing. Then, I don’t know, I needed a rest, from everything.

But for now, I return. And I am (maybe) just in time to answer some questions posed by Suzie over at her blog. She has been encouraging anyone who wishes to answer 7 questions over the last week, because she likes getting to know her blogging buddies. Isn’t that sweet? I love the idea! So, naturally, I want to participate. Here are my answers…

1. Why have you chosen your blog name?

Because it’s very ‘me’. Two of my favourite words that just happen to sum up not only who I am, but what this blog essentially delivers: Whimsy and eclecticism.

2. When you have an hour of free-time, what do you do?

Blog? Okay, I guess I can’t claim that as truth, knowing that I have had many hours free the last couple weeks. I like to write, or socialise. If I can’t find someone to converse with, I’ll sit down to converse with myself or a page.

3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what would it be?

Um… that’s tricky. I was leaning towards younger, as to avoid responsibility, but I like knowing what I know now and assume I’ll be more aware and/or wiser in the future. I may not have reached my ideal age yet. I’m not sure. I am getting fed up with how easy I injure myself playing sport now though. I miss that youthful, sturdy body I once had.

4. If you could learn to do something, what would it be?

I wouldn’t mind learning how to cook really, really well. That’d be neat.There’s many things I could list here, but that comes to mind almost instantly.

5. What would be the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

A monkey. I mean, why not?

Actually, if we’re being serious, I suppose it depends on how much I’m winning. Enough for a party with friends? Enough for my desired Kombi? Enough to travel the World? Enough to follow Dave Matthews Band on tour? Enough for a house at the beach? Enough to start my own business? Those things.

The party first.

Then a monkey.

6. What is the thing that makes you absolutely unique?

Perhaps my perception. It’s difficult to answer, because uniqueness cannot be dialed down to one factor. It is the unique combination of all traits and such. But I think my perception of the World around me is very unique.

7. What is your favourite blog?

You mean blogs, plural, right?

A couple faves include:

The Girl Who Blogs

Words Become Superfluous

Awakening To Awareness

Suzie81’s Blog

I’m Just Super Saiyan

But there are sooooo many good ones I’m aware of, and many more I probably aren’t. Explore the blogosphere, it is inhabited by so many amazing people!

Sunshine Award

I got a Sunshine Award!

The absolutely, spectacularly, amazing Super Saiyan M over at I’m just Super Saiyan decided to throw the above treat at me. And I caught it, gratefully.

I think the deal with this is to share ten things about myself, and then throw the Sunshine at another ten people who are deserving. Sounds like fun.

But firstly, I want to pimp out Super Saiyan M’s blog, because her blog is just as magnificent and funny as she is.

Seriously, why aren’t you worshiping this girl and her blog already? She’s the bee’s knees, folks!

Okay, now that you have finally caught up to speed with the most-worth-following-blog on the interwebby blogosphere, I have ten things about me to share! Well, actually I have decided to answer ten questions, for I feel they may be more revealing.

1. Put your music player of choice on shuffle and list the first 10 songs.

• Alabama Shakes – ‘I Found You’
• Johnnyswim – ‘Heart Beats’
• Death Cab for Cutie – ‘I Will Possess Your Heart’
• Alexi Murdoch – ‘Orange Sky’
• Jason Mraz – ‘Make It Mine’
• Norah Jones – ‘Turn Me On’
• Donavon Frankenreiter – ‘Day Dreamer’
• The Beautiful Girls – ‘La Mar (The Ocean)’
• Gomez – ‘See The World’
• Charles Bradley and the Menahan Street Band – ‘The World (Is Going Up In Flames)’

2. If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Would you take anyone with you?

Oh, too many options! Right now, I’d probably spend a week in New York. And I’d take my housemate with me. I’ve been to the US once, but want to return, and he has never been, and really wants to go. And I know we’d have a blast together. So that’d be cool.

Wait, California! I choose California! You all know who lives in Cali… Sophia Bush!

3. What is your preferred writing implement? (eg. Blue pen, pencil, green pen)

Black pen, typically. I don’t mind a pencil, either. I like the feel of it. It feels lighter to me. Less industrialised. More rustic. There’s a word I’m circumventing, being almost 2 am, but the feel is somewhere around there. And I much prefer jotting notes with pen than computer or other electronica. I’m old school, baby. I’d write my novel in fountain pen if I could.

4. Favourite month and why?

December, I think. It gives us Christmas, which is great family time. Plus lots of warm weather here. You all know by now I am a summer person. The hotter the better. And I’m hoping to spend most of the month down the beach this year. January a close second.

5. Name 3 items you could pick up from where you are.

Well, I have just retreated to bed. From here I could grab Sara Bareilles’ new album ‘The Blessed Unrest’, a deck of Dave Matthews Band playing cards, and a book entitled “The Greatest Hockey Stories Ever Told’.

6. What is your desktop background currently?

Right now it’s a photo of a baby lemur I took at the zoo that turned out quite nice. I posted about it here.

7. What pets do you have? What are their names?

Right now, no pets. 😦

I know, I hate living in an apartment. I grew up with plenty of pets. My first was Kipper, our German Shepherd. He was the nicest dog ever. So gentle and chill. When I was really little I used to ride him. Mum and Dad had him for a few years before I turned up. He was 17 when he died. I was 12. I was devastated. Best. Dog. Ever. Miss ya still, Kip!

8. Inspiration behind your blog title?

I think I’ve tried to explain this one before. Probably struggled then, too. I just wanted something that reflected who I am, and who I want to be perceived as. ‘Eclectic’ is one of my all time favourite words, and suits me to a ‘t’, so I wanted to use that in some form. And the blog was always going to be about a bit of nothing. Just fun. Just whimsy. Eventually it all clicked!

9. Favourite item of clothing?

That’s tough, there’s a couple I love. I’ve never been much of a material possession lover, but I adore my hippie pants. They are so comfy. I’ll have to throw up a photo on the weekend so you know what I’m on about. I also love my Chicago Blackhawks Jersey. That’s my favourite winter-wear.

10. Name at least one book you loved as a child.

My favourite book ever from childhood is ‘The BFG’ by Roald Dahl. Dude was such a tripper. I loved everything he wrote. But that was just perfect to me. I still adore it. I’m due for another read, actually.

And now, I throw Sunshine at 10 amazing bloggers. If I could give one back to Supersaiyan M, I would, but she’s got one. So I give them to…

Amb at Words Become Superfluous

Kaela at The Girl Who Blogs

Suzie at Suzie81’s Blog

Michaela at The mmmmm Family

Escaping Elegance

Alienorajt

Zooboo

Christy at Words for the Weekend

Meka at Love Mekanism

Jolene at Valley Girl Gone Country

Well done you lot, you’re all some of my favourite bloggers. Why? Because you’re all awesome. Your bloggy ways mean a lot to me, and this experience here would be naught without you all. Thanks for being my bloggy buddies!

Help! My pet is nameless!

I have a pet brushtail possum.

Okay, so it’s not a proper pet.

But it does meet me at the front gate each night.

It’s like s/he’s sitting up there on the fence waiting for me. Without fail. And there’s no sudden movements or skiddish behaviour anymore. It’s comfortably watching me come and go. I say ‘hi’ and it sometimes squeaks back.

But I haven’t named him/her yet. In fact, I’m not sure even if it’s a boy or girl possum. But s/he needs a name.

And I want you all to help.

What can we name my pet possum? It needs to be a multi-gender name, unless somehow I can determine if it is a boy possum or girl possum.

Daily Prompt: Home Sweet Home

The Daily Prompt asks us today, “When you’re away from home, what person, thing, or place do you miss the most?”

To be completely honest, I love getting away from home. I am definitely a nomad at heart. I could travel the World seemingly aimlessly and be so blissful. The only thing I would miss are my closest friends and family. There’s a few connections there that I would crave. Connections are everything. They’re (I think) the basic meaning of life. Every connection you feel; that is true living. Whether it’s to a person or otherwise, though the personal interconnections that can be two way streets are the best kind. But, as much as I miss my regular connections when I’m away, I do love creating and experiencing new ones wherever I go. That’s really what energizes me. No doubt.

And yes, I love the connection I have with you guys, too. My blogosphere buddies are very special to me. And I missed you when I was on my hiatus. I’m happy to admit that.

(This was short. I may be back in a minute with another post in a different topic. Thanks for reading!)

The Liebster!

So, I vanished again. I tend to do that. I got busy and  this blog was eating up time I couldn’t afford to give in the last couple weeks. But, I don’t want to stop completely. I may just have to cut back. Manage my time instead of going hammer and tongs and then burning out. But onto a positive…

vinnieh and impossiblegirl123 both nominated me for Liebster Awards! Like, 4 + days ago. Very generous of them. Thanks guys! Oh, and do check out their blogs! vinnie’s is vinnieh and impossiblegirl’s is Life and Other Disasters. They won these awards themselves, because they’re awesome. As are their blogs. They’re two that I make sure I keep up with, even when I’m going on posting sabbaticals myself. They’re well worth a read!

I’m only doing part of the task here, because time permits only a partial response. I will answer the questions posed by each vinnie, and impossiblegirl. Here goes!

Vinnieh’s Questions:

1. What film can you watch and never ever get bored with? My two favourites, Ronin and Leon.
2. Which movie character reminds you of yourself? Um… Gil, Owen Wilson’s character, from Midnight in Paris. I have in the past often felt trapped and like I belong elsewhere. We also have the same writing aspirations. It’s just all very me. Similar outlooks and way of interacting with people as well as humour and all that.
3. If you could travel back in time, which era would you visit? The 1920s, I think. That would be interesting. Like in Midnight in Paris!
4. If you could be reincarnated as an animal after your death, what animal would you want to be? A dog! Because I like being man’s loyal best friend and totally pampered.
5. What was the first movie that really scared you? Chucky! Or Seed of Chucky, or whatever the bloody thing is called. I was 10 years old and at a friend’s birthday sleepover party. We found it on TV and thought we should be rebels. Whoops.
6. If you could work on a film with just one actor or actress, who would you work with? Oh, as if you don’t all already know the answer. Sophia Bush!
7. Madonna or Lady Ga Ga? Neither? Haha. Maybe Madonna.
8. Dog or cat lover? Dogs! 100%
9. James Bond or Jason Bourne? That’s not so easy. Big fan of both. But, I am going to side with James Bond.
10. What song best describes you? ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ by Bobby McFerrin
11. What is your idea of a great weekend? Something pretty cruisy, just chilling with friends. Anything that involves good food, drinks, company and conversation.

impossiblegirl’s Questions

1. If you could be part of any story (a book or movie or TV show), which story would you chose? There’s a theme with my thought patterns and desires at the moment… Midnight In Paris.
2. Tea or coffee? Coffee! I like tea as well, but (during winter especially) I love coffee in the mornings!
3. Which fictional character bares the most resemblance to you (either in physical appearance, in character or both)? I feel we’ve covered this with the first lot. Gil, from Midnight in Paris.
4. Summer or winter? Summer, absolutely!
5. Would you rather watch exclusively TV shows or movies for the rest of your life? Movies I think.
6. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Paris is due for a visit!
7. Gummy bears or chocolate? Oh, man. Gummy bears IN chocolate? Haha. Depends on my mood. Probably take the chocolate if pushed though.
8. What’s the first movie you really remember? And why was it so memorable? Milo and Otis. I remember really loving that as a kid.
9. Which song could you listen to on repeat for hours? Any Dave Matthews Band song. Let’s go with ‘Jimi Thing‘.
10. Comedy or Horror? Comedy. Definitely.
11. Which Big Bang Theory character are you? I am one of the few people that don’t love that show. Having said that, probably Raj, because he can’t talk to girls either, and he’s funniest of the bunch. 😉

Awards; A Game of Catch-up

Um, wow. I have been completely and utterly spoilt rotten the last few days. My bloggy friends, you have made me one very happy chap, day after day, with your kind likes and comments and simply just reading. I really appreciate it. Really, really.

I have been given a few awards, and I haven’t had the chance to respond to them individually. Now they have piled up. I’m losing track of them, so I hope I get them all covered here. If I miss anyone, I am SO sorry. And now I would like to acknowledge the people who have been so kind as to gift me with awards…

Firstly the Versatile Blogger Award. I have received four of these this week. Each from the extremely witty Molly Greye, the absolutely lovely love from tara, the brilliant My OCD Diaries, and the  hilariously wonderful ZooBoo. If you’ve the time, check out all these blogs. They are absolutely magnificent reads, the lot of them. And such fun people. Do yourself a favour and have a read!

I also received twice, the WordPress Family Award. These came from my wondrous blogging buddies, Margaret of Along Life’s Road, and ZooBoo. Margaret is a funny and fantastic writer, and every post is an awesome read. And if you didn’t follow the link to ZooBoo’s blog above, follow the one in this paragraph! She is a lot of fun too, and an essential part to my blogging family. They both are, check them out!

A massive THANK YOU to all the people who nominated me for awards. You are such a wondrous group of people and I feel very privileged to be a part of your blogging family. Thanks folks!!

 

And now, I would like to nominate 10 super people for the WordPress Family Award…

Words Become Superfluous

The Girl Who Blogs

That’s What Shaun Said

Flowers and Breezes

Escaping Elegance

The mmmmm Family

vinnieh

suzie81’s Blog

alienorajt

Valley Girl Gone Country

Congrats you lot, I am so glad I get the chance to promote your blogs. You are all absolutely wonderful people and genius bloggers. Many thanks for sharing the blogosphere with yours truly. It is an honour!

Liebster Award

An award for me? You’re all so nice. This time, the incredibly sweet ZooBoo has offered me the Liebster award. It is an ‘up-and-coming’ award for those with less than 200 followers. I am not surprised ZB got one. Her blog is such a good read. Every post puts a smile on my face, and she writes with a striking charisma and fun style that it is impossible not to love her blog. Check it out! Oh, and thank you SO much, ZB.

Here are the award rules…

-Each nominee must link back the person who nominated them.
-Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator.
-Nominate 10 other bloggers for this award who have less than 200 followers.
-Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
-Let the nominees know that they have been nominated by going to their blog and notifying them.

Unfortunately, I had tremendous trouble finding blogs with the required number of followers. I spent a long time searching. I don’t have any more time. So at this point, no nominations. If I come across some in the next few days I shall nominate them. So, fantastic bloggers with under 200 followers, consider this an I-O-U! I do apologize for bending the rules, but, hey, I’m a maverick. I don’t play by the rules you all live by. 😉

Here are my answers to ZooBoo’s questions…

1. What is your favourite colour? 

Blue. I have quite an affiliation to water. Perhaps this stems from that. It is a calming colour I think. That’s how I often see myself; as the calming influence.

I just checked out an online colour psychology article. Supposedly, blue is the colour of trust, honesty and loyalty. They say blue seeks peace and tranquility. Well, I feel that is all in line with my life philosophies, so there you go.

2. Cornetto, Magnum, or some other ice cream?

Magnum! Magnum Ego, with caramel and all that in particular. But, I am not picky. Really, if you have ice-cream I am not going to make a fuss about asking you what kind it is. Hehe. If it is in a tub, Ben & Jerry’s is impossible to beat. It is rare and expensive here though. 😦

3. Do you like mangoes?

I love mangoes! Even mango-flavoured things. Mango ice-cream? Count me in. Mango anything.

4. If you had a bag of happy fairy dust, why/on who would you sprinkle it?

 Probably my dear mother. She is a major stress-head. I’d like to throw happy dust at her just to try and make her worries a little lighter. She deserves that.

5. What is your favourite TV drama, and why?

 Oooh, tricky one. Currently, I am a massive fan of ‘Luther‘. It is a mini-series, but if it counts, that’s really the only one I’m watching right now. It is brilliant!

6. Is there any landmark/city you would like to visit one day, and why?

 Well I’ve done the big bits of the USA that I wanted to. So, next, I think Paris would be fantastic to check out. The city of love!

7. Have you seen a fantastic movie lately?

 Probably. Um… oh yes, recently at the cinemas, I saw ‘The World’s End’. That was hilarious. Lots of fun.

8. Are you a shopaholic, or a chocoholic?

A chocoholic, no doubt. I have a serious sweet tooth. I could probably eat chocolate for every meal.

9. Do you like pie? If so, have you got a favourite?

Absolutely I like pie. Good, old fashioned apple pie is tough to beat. Like the ice-cream though, I am not going to turn down any pie form.

10. Just out of sheer curiosity, have you ever seen a rainbow?

Absolutely! I have seen many rainbows. Always a good sight.

As stated, no nominations at this point. But I love you all, so if anyone fancies answering any of the questions I wrote up for my potential nominees, please do. I’d love to hear your answers. And it would be such a shame to waste these ‘gems’ I created…

1. What is the #1 most played song on your iPod/similar device?

2. What was your favourite food as a child?

3. If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?

4. If you were reincarnated as an animal, what animal would you be?

5. What story do your friends always tell about you?

6. What is something you learned in the last week?

7. If you won a massive sum in the lottery, what would be the first thing you’d do?

8. If you could have any job in the World, which one would you want?

9. What actor/actress would play you in a movie about your life?

10. Where’s Waldo?

Again, a HUGE thank you to Princess Fairy Zooboo for the nomination. And congrats to her for winning the award originally. And also a deep thank you to all of you who read this space of mine. Beats me why you would, but I really, really appreciate it every time you do. You all rock!

A Tribute to My Friend Amb

This is not the greatest post in the World. No. This is just a tribute.

It is with great abubble that I impavidly present to you all today, a post encompassing the words used by the incredibly sapid Amber in her Wordful Wednesdays posts.

Okay, so basically it is just a giant tribute to Amb and her assiduously jocose blog, ‘Words Become Superfluous‘.

She may be slightly emulous when it comes to banter, but it simply highlights how loquacious she is, which is so endearing I feel we would go together like spaghetti and meatballs, or, you know, other things that are completely miscible.

I become all alacrified merely being in her presence. It is seriously impossible to be woebegone while she is around. Probably largely due to her intoxicating avidity. I get the sense she is incredibly convivial. What a coincidence – me too!

And as if all that wasn’t enough, she even has the tendency to post some magnificently mellisonant tunes on her blog. And we all know I’m a sucker for those. It is like she has tapped into all that is cool. In fact, I would not be surprised if Amb owns several pairs of spectaculacles.

The orenda is strong with this one.

I am so smitten. Seriously, we should intertex.

Versatile Blogging

I just want to give a shoutout to the amazing Alienora, for nominating my blog for the Versatile Blogger Award. Such a nice thing to do! It means a lot coming from anyone, but it is always special being given an award from someone whose blog you really admire yourself. If you have never checked out her blog, definitely do so. It is a great read. Lots of good going on over there!

Okay, I’ll be back later with a post. Just got back from soccer. Need a shower and a feed. Pretty knackered!